AceShowbiz - Kockroach is gearing up to begin production this April, with the addition of Oscar-nominated actor Alec Baldwin to its already impressive cast. The New York-based crime movie is directed by Matt Ross, known for Captain Fantastic, and features a lineup including Chris Hemsworth, Taron Egerton, and Zazie Beetz. This latest casting news marks a notable return for Baldwin, who has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years.

The film is produced by Andrew Lazar and Christina Weiss Lurie, with Black Bear managing international sales alongside CAA Media Finance and Range Select handling domestic rights. Kockroach is adapted from the novel by William Lashner, which is itself a reimagining of Franz Kafka’s renowned 1915 novella, The Metamorphosis. The story centers on a mysterious stranger who infiltrates New York’s criminal underworld and gradually transforms into a powerful crime boss, navigating a city where dominance means everything.

The film's premise blends dark comedy with crime thriller elements, creating a unique tone that has already attracted considerable attention. The screenplay is written by Jonathan Ames, with further revisions from director Matt Ross, ensuring a distinctive vision for this adaptation. The project promises to explore themes of power, identity, and transformation through a gritty New York lens, enhanced by its high-profile cast.

For Baldwin, joining Kockroach is a significant development following the controversy surrounding the 2021 incident on the set of the Western film Rust. During filming, a revolver discharged a live round, tragically killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The aftermath led to extensive legal battles, including criminal and civil litigation involving Baldwin.

In the legal case, Baldwin faced an involuntary manslaughter charge, which was dismissed with prejudice in 2024 after a judge determined that prosecutors and police withheld evidence regarding the ammunition used. Meanwhile, the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, sentenced to 18 months, and later released under supervision. Post-trial, Baldwin filed a lawsuit against New Mexico officials alleging malicious prosecution, but the suit was dismissed in 2025 due to lack of follow-up, though it remains possible to refile.

This complex background adds context to Baldwin’s current career steps, highlighting the significance of his involvement in a high-profile, creatively ambitious project like Kockroach. The film’s production is poised to start soon, and industry watchers will be keen to see how this ensemble cast brings the darkly comic crime story to life.

As of now, no official release date has been announced for Kockroach, but the combination of its source material, director, and cast generates strong anticipation. Fans of crime dramas and dark humor alike will be watching closely as filming progresses, eager to see how this intriguing narrative unfolds on screen.

Stay tuned to Collider for ongoing updates on Kockroach, including casting news, production details, and release information as they become available.